Venezuelan Nationals Granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

By Melissa Chan

The Department of Homeland Security announced that Venezuelan nationals will be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, effective from March 9, 2021 through September 9, 2022. The policy impacts an estimated 320,000 Venezuelans in the United States. 

This policy will focus on deportation relief and work permits for Venezuelan nationals who can demonstrate continuous residence in the United States as of March 8, 2021. The DHS cites political and economic turmoil in Venezuela as the primary purpose for the TPS designation.

TPS provides temporary relief for individuals facing unsafe conditions in their home countries. TPS benefits include:

• Deportation relief.
• Eligibility for an employment authorization document (EAD).
• Eligibility to apply for travel authorization.

conclusion

The Biden administration plans to continue reviewing TPS and other immigration policies from the prior administration. The Chugh, LLP team will closely watch new policy developments and provide timely updates.